How many songs are on Fables of the Reconstruction (25th Anniversary Edition)?

Fables of the Reconstruction (25th Anniversary Edition) has 11 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Fables of the Reconstruction (25th Anniversary Edition)

Q: What makes Fables of the Reconstruction (25th Anniversary Edition) by R.E.M. notable?

The original Fables of the Reconstruction was pivotal in establishing R.E.M. as a major force in alternative music, reaching number 28 on the Billboard 200 chart. The reissue garnered attention for its remastered tracks and previously unreleased material, reigniting interest in their formative sounds and influencing subsequent indie rock artists. Released in 2010, Fables of the Reconstruction (25th Anniversary Edition) celebrates R.E.M.'s third studio album originally launched in 1985. At this point, the band had already achieved significant acclaim with their previous records and were solidifying their status within the alternative rock scene. This reissue came after the band's breakup in 2011, serving as a reflection on their influential early work.

R.E.M. · 2010

39 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock

A tapestry of jangly guitars and introspective lyrics, blending Southern storytelling with the spirit of alternative rock.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Driver 8 — This track exemplifies R.E.M.'s ability to fuse poignant storytelling with driving melodies, showcasing their signature jangle pop sound and lyrical depth.
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Can't Get There From Here — With its infectious chorus and upbeat tempo, this song highlights the band's knack for creating anthems that resonate with feelings of dislocation and yearning.
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Wendell Gee — This closing track encapsulates a sense of nostalgia and reflection, featuring rich imagery that speaks to themes of memory and place.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and unique imagery, contributing to its lasting appeal in alternative rock.

What we noticed

The album opens with a track that features a steady, driving rhythm and layered guitar textures, setting a contemplative tone.
Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as 'Driver 8,' which features a repetitive chorus that contrasts with its verses.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Feeling Gravity’s Pull 4:51
2 Maps and Legends 3:10
3 Driver 8 3:24
4 Life and How to Live It 4:08
5 Old Man Kensey 4:10
6 Can’t Get There From Here 3:40
7 Green Grow the Rushes 3:45
8 Kohoutek 3:16
9 Auctioneer (Another Engine) 2:44
10 Good Advices 3:30
11 Wendell Gee 3:00

What to play next

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alternative rock folk rock jangle pop

Reference: MusicBrainz · Wikidata